Reproducibility of an isokinetic eccentric muscle endurance task

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of isokinetic eccentric muscle endurance protocols, no research has examined the absolute and relative reliability of such tests. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of an isokinetic eccentric knee muscle endurance task. Fifteen healthy untrained males volunteered to take part in the study and written informed consent was obtained. The procedures received approval from the University Research Ethics Committee. Participants visited the laboratory on three separate occasions: 2 weeks before testing to familiarize them with the experimental procedures, and on two separate occasions, 2 weeks apart and at the same time of day. Isokinetic eccentric knee extension and flexion movements of the dominant limb were performed using a calibrated dynamometer (Biodex System 3). Range of motion during testing was set using voluntary maximal full extension (0 rad) to 1.57 rad of knee flexion and testing was conducted at 1.56 rad · s^?1. Participants performed four maximal efforts to determine maximal peak torque. After 2 min rest, participants completed the all-out endurance test of 50 continuous eccentric repetitions. Data were gravity corrected and windowed to only include constant velocity periods. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to examine differences in maximal peak extension and flexion torque and the maximal torque measurement recorded during the endurance test. Absolute and relative reliability of the torque fatigue index, work fatigue index, and total work were assessed through calculation of intra-class correlation coefficients, coefficients of variation, and absolute 95% limits of agreement using the methods described by Bland and Altman (1986). Differences between the strength test and the endurance trial for peak torque were found to be non-significant for both quadriceps (323 vs. 323 N · m) and hamstrings (183 vs. 178 N · m). The intra-class correlation coefficients revealed significant (P<0.05) positive moderate to strong correlations (r=0.44–0.94) across repeated trials for all parameters except hamstring torque fatigue (P=0.11) and hamstring work fatigue index (P=0.08). Coefficients of variation ranged from 6% to 48% and were large for the work fatigue index and torque fatigue index but acceptable for total work for both the extensors and flexors. The 95% limits of agreement indicated systematic bias in repeated trials for both the work fatigue index and torque fatigue index for extensors and flexors, ranging from ?3% to ?10%, with less fatigue evident in the second test. There was also systematic bias for total work, with more work being performed during the second than the first test for both extensors and flexors. The random error was large for all variables and there was greater random error in the hamstrings compared with the quadriceps. Together with moderate to strong intra-class correlation coefficients and large coefficients of variation, the data suggest that there is small systematic bias in repeated eccentric muscle actions for both the quadriceps and hamstrings, although the random error was large despite habituation procedures. Therefore, data from an isokinetic eccentric muscle endurance task should be viewed with some caution even when participants receive considerable habituation before assessment.     

Muscular Fatigue Curves of Boys and Girls

Abstract

Exponential fatigue curves for dynamic work of the forearm muscles were obtained from 200 boys arid girls ranging from 8 through 17 years of age. The fatigue parameters analyzed in relation to initial strength were fatigable strength, steady-state equilibrium strength, and relative rate of strength loss per contraction. Older children were stronger and exhibited greater fatigue. When their strength loss and steady-state levels were considered in relation to their initial strength-capacity, there were no age differences in fatigability, and sex differences were either absent or very small. At age eight, boys and girls had equal rates of strength loss per muscle contraction. Older boys, since they exerted more strength initially, tended to reach the fatigue level more rapidly than younger children. Older girls reached their fatigue level more slowly.     

Comments: Rebuttal to above Comments on “Visual Movements of Batters”

Abstract

The research was undertaken to determine if an increase in the duration of a sustained voluntary isometric contraction is more closely related to changes in cardiovascular endurance or changes in strength. Subjects (N = 24) were tested before and after a training program to determine their endurance (oxygen consumption) and strength. The training program consisted of one daily sustained voluntary isometric contraction of the left forearm flexors at a prescribed percentage of the subject's maximum isometric strength. When the mean duration of contractions for each group showed a significant increase, training ceased.

The groups which trained with contractions of 50, 75, and 100 percent of a maximum voluntary contraction showed significant increases in strength, but not in endurance. The group which trained with a 25 percent contraction increased significantly in endurance, but not in strength. The increased duration of contractions at percentages greater than or equal to 50 percent of a maximum voluntary contraction appeared to be due to increased strength. Hence, measuring cardiovascular endurance by the duration of a sustained voluntary isometric contraction at percentages greater than 25 percent seems unjustified.     

Acute neuromuscular and performance responses to Nordic hamstring exercises completed before or after football training

ABSTRACT

The optimal scheduling of Nordic Hamstring exercises (NHEs) relative to football training sessions is unknown. We examined the acute neuromuscular and performance responses to NHE undertaken either before (BT) or after (AT) simulated football training. Twelve amateur players performed six sets of five repetitions of the NHE either before or after 60 min of standardised football-specific exercise (SAFT⁶⁰). Surface electromyography signals (EMG) of the hamstring muscles were recorded during both the NHE, and maximum eccentric actions of the knee flexors (0.52 rad · s^–1) performed before and after the NHE programme, and at 15 min intervals during SAFT⁶⁰. Ten-metre sprint times were recorded on three occasions during each 15 min SAFT⁶⁰ segment. Greater eccentric hamstring fatigue following the NHE programme was observed in BT versus AT (19.8 %; very likely small effect), which was particularly apparent in the latter range of knee flexion (0–15°; 39.6%; likely moderate effect), and synonymous with hamstring EMG declines (likely small–likely moderate effects). Performing NHE BT attenuated sprint performance declines (2.0–3.2%; likely small effects), but decreased eccentric hamstring peak torque (–14.1 to –18.9%; likely small effects) during football-specific exercise. Performing NHE prior to football training reduces eccentric hamstring strength and may exacerbate hamstring injury risk.     

Index for Volume 33 [1962]

Abstract

In order to develop a more effective method for measuring individual differences in heavy work endurance, quantitatively corrected for the inflation of apparent reliability caused by differences in body size, data were secured on 78 college males. All started at an initial work rate of 1650 kpm/min on a bicycle ergometer, and endeavored to maintain this rate as best they could during the entire 12 min of work. One group of 26 performed at an initial rate of 60, another at 70, and the third at 84 pedal rpm. All were retested one week later. Body weight correlated r = .54 with endurance, so its effect was removed by the W-score technique. Net individual differences rose progressively from the first few minutes to a plateau at about min 7; they were greatest for the 84 and least for the 60 rpm condition, and were greater for min-by-min cumulated work scores, while drop-offs and time to designated drop-off gave irregular results. Individual differences could have been measured nearly as well with an 8- or 9-min test, but a full 12 min was required to establish an endurance criterion. The 84 rpm schedule gave the highest reliability, although it yielded the lowest work output and exhibited a faster decline in work rate and a lower fatigue level.     

A Study of the Use of Visual Aids in Basket Shooting

Abstract

The effect of actively warming the forearm musculature on dynamic grip endurance was investigated by comparing the performance of the left and right hands, with or without warming-up, on a spring-loaded grip ergometer. There were 21 male subjects, aged 19 to 23. Warming-up consisted of 9 min. of four hand and wrist exercises conducted in 30-sec. bouts, at a rate of one repetition per sec., with 15-sec. intervals between bouts. This warm-up was shown to lead to temperature increases of between 1.6 C and 2.6 C in the flexor digitorum sublimis muscles of five subjects. Warming-up had no effect on grip endurance.     

Isokinetic trunk flexion–extension protocol to assess trunk muscle strength and endurance: Reliability,learning effect,and sex differences

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and the learning effect of an isokinetic trunk flexion–extension protocol designed to simultaneously assess trunk muscle strength and endurance. In addition, the effect of the participants' sex on the reliability data was examined.MethodsFifty-seven healthy and physically active young men (n = 28) and women (n = 29) performed the isokinetic protocol 5 times, separated by a week between each of the first 4 sessions and by a month between the last 2 sessions. The protocol consisted of performing 4 trials of 15 maximum flexion–extension concentric exertions at 120°/s (range of trunk motion = 50°). The absolute and relative peak torque and total work were calculated to assess trunk flexion and extension strength. In addition, endurance ratio, modified endurance ratio, fatigue final ratio, recovery ratio, and modified recovery ratio variables were used for the assessment of trunk muscle endurance in both directions.ResultsRegarding the absolute reliability, no relevant changes were found between paired-comparison sessions for most strength and endurance variables, except for total work and relative total work variables in the flexion movement in both sexes. In addition, the typical error of the isokinetic variables was lower than 10% in both males and females, and minimum detectable changes ranged from 7% to 20%, with a tendency to be higher in females and in endurance variables. The strength variables showed high-to-excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs; >0.74); however, for the endurance variables only the endurance ratio and the modified endurance ratio obtained moderate-to-high ICC values (0.57 < ICC < 0.82). In addition, the analysis of the variance reported no significant differences between consecutive pairs of sessions for most variables in both sexes.ConclusionOverall, these findings provide clinicians, trainers, and researchers with a 10-min single-session protocol to perform a reliable muscle strength and endurance evaluation of trunk flexor and extensor muscles, all within the same protocol.     

Muscle Fiber Type Composition and Knee Extension Isometric Strength Fatigue Patterns in Power- and Endurance-Trained Males

Abstract

Muscle fiber type composition in the vastus lateralis and knee extension isometric strength fatigue patterns were assessed in eight endurance-trained and eight power-trained males. Two different 25-trial isometric contraction exercise regimens were administered: a 10-second contraction, 5-second intertrial rest condition designed to induce a fast rate of fatigue and a 10-second contraction, 20-second intertrial rest condition designed to induce a slower rate of fatigue. The power group fatigued almost four times faster than the endurance group in the 10:5 exercise condition. In the 10:20 exercise condition, the endurance group showed no fatigue pattern while the power group had a significant strength decrement of 32%. In both exercise conditions, the power group exhibited more complex fatigue patterns in terms of statistically significant trend components. Maximum isometric strength correlated positively with slow twitch (ST) percent number in power (r = .80) and endurance (r = .48) groups, but negatively with linear trend coefficients in endurance (r = -.62) and power (r = -.80) groups. Maximum isometric strength also correlated higher with fatigue curve trend coefficients than did muscle fiber type composition. Thus, a faster rate of fatigue was associated with higher maximum isometric strength and with higher ST percent number and area. Since maximum isometric strength correlated with body weight (r = .86 for groups combined), both maximum isometric strength and muscle mass appear to be more important determinants of knee extension isometric strength fatigue patterns than muscle fiber type composition.     

大学生高水平女篮运动员疲劳后膝关节肌群等速力量变化的研究

目的研究篮球运动员下肢膝关节肌力在疲劳状态下的变化,以便加强容易疲劳肌群的力量训练。方法研究选择高水平女篮11名运动员为受试者,采用等速肌力测试系统测定膝关节正常状态和疲劳状态下的屈伸肌力及做功情况。结果篮球运动员在运动中更容易导致屈肌产生疲劳,左侧下肢膝关节屈肌的总功力量存在明显差异性。结论篮球运动更容易引起膝关节屈肌产生疲劳,加强屈肌的肌肉力量训练对提高篮球运动员专项力量将有很大帮助。     

Relative Endurance of High- and Low-Strength Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relative endurance ability of women in terms of muscle mass, static muscle strength, and critical occluding tension levels (COTL). Women physical education majors volunteered as subjects for this study (N = 56). The percentages of grip strength used for the relative endurance tests were 30%, 45%, 60%, and 75% with local circulation to the forearm muscles intact and artificially occluded by a pressure cuff. Analysis of the data revealed that there was no significant difference in the endurance times of high- and low-strength women. The relationship between grip strength and relative endurance time for each tension level was insignificant (r = ?.23 to ?.34). These findings were discussed in light of the relatively small differences in muscle mass and similarity in COTL of high- and low-strength women.     

Hamstring rate of torque development is more affected than maximal voluntary contraction after a professional soccer match

Abstract

Match-induced fatigue of knee muscle strength and agonist-antagonist strength-ratios may affect both performance and risk of injury in soccer players. Once explosive tasks are imperative in soccer as well as hamstring strain injuries occur during high-velocity moments, rapid force capacity of this muscle group is especially important. This study evaluated the effect of match-induced fatigue on knee muscle strength and strength-ratio parameters after a single professional soccer match. Male professional soccer players (n?=?16; 24.2?±?3.9 years) were tested before and after a soccer match (56.2?±?22.6?min of playing) for knee flexors (hamstring) and extensors (quadriceps) isometric peak torque (MVC) and rate of torque development (RTD) – as well as the hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio (H:Q) – at 30° of knee flexion. Knee injuries often occur at this joint angle, which is common in sprinting, pivoting, sidecutting, and jumping. Match-induced fatigue caused a left shift in the knee extensors torque-time curve with no significant change in both early (i.e. 0–50?ms) and late (i.e. 0–200?ms) RTD, and a right shift in the knee flexors torque-time curve with a decrease in early RTD (～16%, p?=?.029) and late RTD (～11%, p?=?.011). Knee extensors and knee flexors peak torque remained unchanged (p?>?.05). Early RTD H:Q decreased by～24% (p?=?.027), while late RTD H:Q and MVC H:Q remained unchanged (p?>?.05). In conclusion, match-induced fatigue impaired the ability to rapidly produce force at an angle where injuries are most susceptible to occur. Important information is missed if only the traditional H:Q is considered.     

Acute effects of Kinesio taping on muscle function and self-perceived fatigue level in healthy adults

This study investigated the acute effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on muscular power, strength, endurance, and self-perceived fatigue level. This is a randomized, partial double-blind, crossover trial. Eighteen healthy adults (7 males [23.86?±?1.68 years] and 11 females [24.82?±?3.71 years]) were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent three different trials which included no tap (NT), placebo tap (PT), and KT. Idividuals were assessed for peak and mean power, muscular strength and endurance, and self-perceived fatigue after each condition. The results revealed no significant differences in all variables (p?>?0.05) except muscular endurance (F?=?5.775, p?=?0.007). Muscular endurance in the NT (58.28?±?12.18?reps/min) condition was significantly higher than that in the KT (52.83?±?11.76?reps/min) condition. These results suggest that KT on rectus femoris and the patella of the lower limb does not improve muscular function and self-perceived fatigue level. KT is unlikely to enhance exercise performance capacity in healthy adults.     

Study of Endurance of Various Muscle Groups

Abstract

Endurance of three muscle groups was studied ergometrically: flexors of the forearm in 30 subjects, flexors of the hand, and extensors of the lower leg in 20 subjects. The flexors of the forearm were tested with two ergometers: the lever and the pulley type. The load used was equal to one-third of the maximum strength of the respective muscle group. Tests-retests gave the following coefficients of reliability: arm pulley ergometer, .91; arm lever ergometer, .89; grip ergometer, .88; and leg ergometer, .75. The coefficients of correlation between performance times were: arm pulley and arm lever ergometers, .91; arm pulley and leg ergometers, .53; arm pulley and grip ergometers, .68; grip and leg ergometers, .58; arm lever and grip ergometers, .30. All r's except the last one were statistically significant.     

Muscular strength and endurance as a function of age and activity level.

Muscular strength, endurance, and rate of fatigue were studied in populations of various ages actively engaged in strength and endurance training, as compared with those not engaged in such activities. The strength and fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles were studied for 62 subjects at the ages of 20 (n = 11 active, 10 inactive), 35 (n = 11 active, 10 inactive), and 50 (n = 10 active, 10 inactive) years, tested within 2 years of the appropriate age. They performed a 6-min bout of maximal rhythmic contractions of the dominant arm at a rate of 30 contractions per min. Force applied to the transducer was converted into electrical activity and transmitted to a recorder, where differences in mean values for initial strength, final strength, absolute endurance, and relative endurance were examined for significance. Rates of fatigue and the fatigue curves were also obtained for each group. Results revealed significantly less muscular strength, absolute endurance, and relative endurance as the age of the subjects increased, but no significant difference for age was found in final strength at the conclusion of the exercise bout. Significant differences were found between active and inactive subjects in initial strength, final strength, and absolute endurance in favor of the active subjects. No significant interaction between activity level and age was found for any of the dependent variables. The rates of fatigue were similar for all ages except for the inactive 20-year-old subjects, whose rate of fatigue was markedly slower than that found for all other groups of subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Rhythmic Isometric Fatigue Patterns of the Elbow Flexors and Knee Extensors

Abstract

Twenty-seven male subjects performed two 5-min bouts of rhythmic, isometric elbow flexion and two similar bouts of knee extension at a rate of 30 maximal contractions per min. Exponential analyses revealed that the pattern of fatigue for each limb followed a single component curve of the form: Y_t = a₀e ^?Kot + c. An analysis of variance comparing the results from the two limbs revealed that (a) the strength scores for the leg were significantly (p < .05) higher than those for the arm throughout the exercise bouts; (b) both limbs experienced a significant strength decrement; and (c) there was significant interaction between trials and limbs. It appeared that the greater loss of strength by the knee extensors was reponsible for this interaction. It was concluded that during a rhythmic, all-out task, the rates of fatigue experienced by the two muscle groups tend to differ, with the elbow flexors fatiguing more rapidly initially but reaching a plateau at a relatively higher level than the knee extensors.     

不同快速降体重量对肌肉功能的影响

目的:探讨不同快速降体重量对肌肉功能的影响;方法:以12名健康男生为实验对象,测定脱水前(0%bw l)、桑拿脱水快速降体重2%(2%bw l)、桑拿脱水快速降体重4%(4%bw l)这3种不同体重状态下最大等速肌力、等速肌耐力与无氧作功能力;在测定无氧作功能力时,结合运用主观用力程度等级评价量表(RPE),对肌肉功能进行系统评价;结果:1)2%bw l和4%bw l对肌肉的最大等速力量均没有削弱作用;2%bw l后,屈肘肌群的最大等速肌力反而增大。2)2%bw l对屈、伸肘肌群以及屈、伸膝肌群的等速肌耐力均没有影响;4%bw l后,屈肘肌群与屈、伸膝肌群的等速肌耐力不变,而伸肘肌群的等速肌耐力显著性下降。3)2%bw l和4%bw l对下肢的无氧耐力没有削弱作用。     

The Influence of Aging on Power and Endurance in Man

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the strength-decrement fatigue effects in 14 muscle groups of the trunk and lower extremities resulting from a sub-maximal treadmill run at seven miles per hour for a period of ten minutes on a horizontal plane. Only two muscle groups, the hip outward rotators and the trunk flexors, were fatigued sufficiently to cause a significant strength decrement; a third muscle group, the knee flexors, had a loss in mean strength which approached the .05 level of confidence.     

Revisiting the Development of Time Sharing Using a Dual Motor Task Performance

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a 2-min. isometric exercise training program on force and fatigue in a skeletal muscle. The subjects (N=60) were divided into two equal groups, control and experimental. The control group was tested twice, once at the beginning of the experiment and again after 20 days. The subjects in the experimental group were tested before embarked on a 20-day period of isometric training. held the tension for 2 min. in the morning and again in the afternoon. Periodic tests were on the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th days. Large gains of initial strength were recorded on the 5th day. Isometric training continued beyond five days produced no significant gains in initial strength althoughe was a significant increase in isometric endurance. Isometric exercise continued longer than 15 days resulted in a significant decrease in initial strength and isometric endurance.     

Performing pull-ups with small climbing holds influences grip and biomechanical arm action

Pull-ups are often used by sport-climbers and other athletes to train their arm and back muscle capabilities. Sport-climbers use different types of holds to reinforce finger strength concomitantly. However, the effect of grip types on pull-up performance had not previously been investigated. A vertical force platform sensor measured the force exerted by climbers when performing pull-ups under six different grip conditions (gym-bar, large climbing hold, and four small climbing holds: 22mm, 18mm, 14mm, and 10mm). The electromyography of finger flexors and extensor muscles were recorded simultaneously. The maximal arm power and summed mechanical work were computed. The results revealed that the number of pull-ups, maximal power, and summed mechanical work decreased significantly with the size of the climbing hold used, even if no differences were found between a large climbing hold and a gym-bar. Electromyography of the forearm muscles revealed that the use of a climbing hold generated finger flexor fatigue and that the level of cocontraction was impacted by the different segment coordination strategies generated during the pull-ups. These findings are likely to be useful for quantifying training loads more accurately and designing training exercises and programs.     

The Relationships Among Isokinetic Endurance,Initial Strength Level,and Fiber Type

Abstract

Knee extension isokinetic peak torque was assessed at angular velocities of 0, 30, 180, and 240[ddot]/sec, and isokinetic endurance was assessed by 50 consecutive contractions at 180[ddot]/sec in eight college age men. Also, muscle fiber type of the vastus lateralis was determined and related to isokinetic strength and fatigability. To determine the influence of initial strength on isokinetic endurance the 50 serial isokinetic contractions were assessed after subjects performed two bicycle exercise regimens designed to affect initial strength levels. Neither isokinetic peak torques (made relative to MVC or per Kg of body weight) nor the amount of strength loss over the 50 contractions correlated with fiber type. The peak torques at 180[ddot]/sec at the start of the 50 contractions differed over the three conditions (unfatigued and after the two bicycle exercise regimens), however, the amount of of strength loss over the 50 trials was similar for the three conditions. Also, the patterns of the three isokinetic fatigue curves were remarkably similar. Thus, the initial strength level across the treatments did not affect the rate of fatigue. However, when the treatment conditions were examined separately, the amount of strength loss over the 50 trials correlated significantly with initial strength. Thus, factors other than, or in addition to, fiber type and initial strength level must influence the rate of isokinetic fatigue.